Abstract

Historical descriptions of gout date back to the fifth century BC when Hippocrates termed it the ''unwalkable disease''. Indeed, gout is typified by excruciating pain of the big toe that often leads to immobility of the corresponding joint with consequent difficultly in walking. In scientific vernacular, gout or gouty arthritis is defined as an acute or chronic recurrent manifestation of an inflammatory response to deposits of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in peripheral joints, tendons and surrounding soft tissues. These clinical developments may or may not be accompanied by hyperuricaemia. Common trigger factors for acute gouty arthritis include, inter alia, infection, minor trauma or surgery, fatigue, emotional stress, use of thiazide diuretics and indulgence in alcohol.